Branchiopoda

9.9

A group of small freshwater animals like tiny shrimps and water fleas

noun
/ˌbræŋkiˈoʊpədə/

Specialized

: Branchiopoda

I am here to study brine shrimp, which are not closely related to true shrimp but instead are Branchiopoda, a specialized branch of Crustacea that also includes water fleas.

Examples

Many species within the Branchiopoda group, such as water fleas, play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems.
Scientists discovered a new species of Branchiopoda in the remote lake, surprising researchers with its adaptability.
The unique features of Branchiopoda make them a fascinating subject for biological study.

Synonyms

branchiopod crustacean

vsBranchiopoda

Specialized

9.9

A small freshwater animal like a tiny shrimp with a hard shell and flat legs for swimming, breathing and feeding

is the broader taxonomic group mainly found in freshwater

branchiopod

vsBranchiopoda

Specialized

9.9

A small crustacean that lives in fresh or salt water and has many leaflike limbs for swimming and feeding

is mainly restricted to freshwater rather than both salinities

Surface Forms

Branchiopoda singular

Branchiopodae plural

Etymology

Branchiopoda comes from Greek parts branchi- meaning 'gills' and -poda meaning 'feet', and you can see -poda in the word tripod which means 'three feet'. These small water animals have many leg-like parts that often work as gills, so the name literally says 'gill-feet'.